Hamlin Beach State Park's clear water, sandy beaches and 264 tent and trailer campsites bring thousands of visitors to the park each year. The Yanty Creek Marsh area at the east end of the park has a mile long self-guided trail. In addition, there are 6 miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as snowmobile and cross-country skiing. Visitors can launch car-top boats, fish for salmon and trout and enjoy the picnic facilities.

- No camping registration after 9pm. - Visiting hours for camping are from 7am-9pm.

Shelters: Available for reservation from May 7 to October 30 from 9am - 10pm. Various Fees.

Shelter Reservations can be made starting the second Monday in January for each calendar year. For information, call 585-964-2462.

Fees & Rates

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.

Your key to all season enjoyment of state parks is our season's pass. For $65, the Empire Passport provides you unlimited day use vehicle entry into most of our parks. Apply on-line or call your favorite park for more information.

Yanty Marsh is a great lakeshore wetland that provides habitat for various marsh-nesting birds, amphibians and turtles. The observation platforms is a great place for wildlife watching. For a closer look, paddle into the marsh from one of the boat launches on the lake.

Another Wetland area which hosts a number of turtle species that can regularly be seen basking, as well as carp and nesting birds.

This landscape feature is a tree-covered bluff located on a truncated drumlin – a landform composed primarily of glacial till. The above-water section used to be larger, but rising lake levels and erosion have drastically reduced the size and made the steep cliffs unstable.

Howden Pond provides good fishing opportunities for black bass and bluegill as well as habitat for frogs, fish, beavers and herons.

Hamlin Beach State Park has been recognized as a premier spot for observing migrating waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds and was named an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. Bring your binoculars and see what you can spot!

Clean and remove all visible plants, animals, fish and mud from your boat, trailer and other equipment and dispose of it in a suitable trash container or on dry land.

Drain water from bilge, live wells, ballast tanks and any other locations with water before leaving the launch. Disinfect when possible.

Dry your boat, trailer and all equipment completely. At least 5 days of drying time is recommended. Drying times vary depending on weather and material.

Ask a Naturalist!

Q: Are there any rare species in Hamlin Beach State Park?

A: Hamlin Beach State Park holds a rare erosional bluff ecological community, which is one of only three in New York State. Erosional bluffs are the sandy, sparsely vegetated slopes facing Lake Ontario on the west end of the park. They support populations of beach grass, seaside goldenrod, and bayberry. In addition, Hamlin Beach State Park is a migration route for rare bird species like the least bittern. It is important to observe these species from a respectful distance in order to not further diminish their numbers.

A: Climbing on the erosional slope/bluff community leads to quicker erosion of the bluffs, trampling of the native vegetation, and may provide a means for the introduction of non-native plant species. Illegal climbing on the bluff endangers the ecological community as well as individual safety.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT OUR PARK!

History:

Devil’s Nose is the highest point for miles. It was historically a shipping landmark because at one time it extended a quarter-mile into the water. It may have gotten its name from the risk it posed to ships traveling at night.

Birds:

Rare black terns historically nested in Yanty Marsh as recently as 1989. We aren’t quite sure why the black terns stopped coming to Hamlin, but we are considering a nesting platform project which has been successfully implemented at other state parks in order to draw them back.

Bluebirds, which were near extinction in the first half of the 20th century, have rebounded since the 1960s. They are abundant in the park.

The New York State Park Police will be holding a snowmobile safety certification course for youth on December 17, 2016 from 8am to 4pm. The course will be held at the Hamlin Beach State Park Conference Room, Hamlin, NY. Lunch will be provided.

The course is targeted for young persons ages 10 to 18.

New York State law requires that all youth, ages 10 to 18, must have a snowmobile safety certificate to operate a snowmobile alone anywhere other than on family owned or leased land. Youth who complete the training and pass the exam will receive their certification.

Pre-registration is required. Call the New York State Park Police at 585-658-4692 to register for the course. Space will be limited so call early.